Exeter V Northampton at St James Park : Match Preview

10 March 2014 02:31

Exeter boss Paul Tisdale has a fully-fit squad for the crucial clash with Northampton.

The Grecians welcome Chris Wilder's men knowing that their first home victory since September would lift them nine points clear of the Cobblers in the second relegation place.

Tisdale's men, who are on their worst run of home form for almost 20 years, had substitute Eliot Richards to thank for earning them a late point against Dagenham on Saturday and the Bristol Rovers loanee will hope to have earned a place in the starting line-up.

The likes of Jamie Reid, Pat Baldwin and Matt Gill could all come into contention if their manager decides to shuffle his pack.

Northampton will be without Ricky Ravenhill against their fellow strugglers.

The former Doncaster midfielder was given his marching orders for a second yellow card during Saturday's impressive draw at Scunthorpe and will now serve a one-match ban for the game at St James Park.

Defender Joe Widdowson (ankle) failed to recover in time for that clash at Glanford Park and remains a doubt while captain Lee Collins (foot) is out for the rest of the season.

Northampton will be looking to extend their recent run of four games without defeat and victory for Chris Wilder's team will close the gap on their fellow relegation-haunted rivals to just three points.